singing chef

The article clearly says he DOES want to go west.

The article says (and I quote): He does want to go west.

One of the better proposals I've seen. There is value to all the teams involved. Well done.

The Canucks would have loved to have won the lottery (obviously) and likely select Jack Hughes, thereby uniting the 2 Hughes brothers. With NJD now holding the #1 pick there have been posts suggesting possible trades with NJD for that #1 pick. Instead, how about looking at it from a different angle. What would NJD be prepared to offer us for Quinn Hughes ? That must be enticing for them. Would they consider Taylor Hall and Damon Severson for Quinn Hughes and Adam Gaudette (or Jake Virtanen) ? Or Nico Hischier and Damon Severson for Q.H. and A.G. (or J.V.) ? I'd be up for that kind of trade. Severson puts up good points and has good size. It's an interesting thought.

Dennis Ververgaert ?

Who is "Elder" ?

peanut butter.

Ed Hatoum.

John Schella.

Good post. Anyone who watched "Hockey Central at Noon" today (Wednesday) and listened to Dean Lombardi, GM of L.A. Kings, would have related to his comments about young draft picks. Basically said "they are drafted high and are forced into situations where they are expected to produce immediately. Must not forget they are just kids and still have a lot of growing up to do/life skills to learn, and during this time they are exposed to the temptations a significant amount of cash is suddenly made available to them. Some make it early but others need a few years to deal with the realization being a NHL player is a real job and they need to actually work at it - i.e. work ethic, fitness, proper diet, commitment to the job." He used the example of Jeff Carter, then and now, and how he was a kid with bad "life habits" in Phil & Columbus but finally "got it" when he came to L.A. Now he is a "stallion" of fitness and is producing. So, give Jake the opportunity to grow up and realize he needs to work at his profession. He may succeed, he may not, but he's still just a kid. Give him a chance. Cheers.

To quote from one of your earlier posts (" I haven't been watching the game as long as a lot of you fossils"), I am one of these fossils. Thanks for the (?) compliment. To agree with the point you make in the final sentence of the above post, please re-read my post which states " Let's give Jake the chance to develop properly; after all he just turned 20 in August. If he can produce as well as Simmonds has he'll be a keeper." The operative word here is "develop". If he doesn't then your assessment may be correct. How's the snow in C.R. this afternoon ? Looks a bit dicey in my old stomping ground. Cheers.

How about we compare his progress to that of Wayne Simmonds, currently a successful power forward with Philadelphia Flyers. They each had similar ppg in Junior. Simmonds, however, played in Junior as a 19 y.o. whereas Virtanen was "forced into the NHL as a 19 y.o. In his first year in NHL as a 20 y.o. Simmonds' numbers were 9/14 = 23 in a 82 game schedule (0.28 pts/game). In his first year in NHL as a 19 y.o. Jake had 7/6 = 13 in 55 games (0.24 pts/game). So Simmonds had similar numbers as a player 1 year older. Let's give Jake the chance to develop properly; after all he just turned 20 in August. If he can produce as well as Simmonds has he'll be a keeper. Cheers - Happy New Year everyone.

Reply to General Manager from a Shareholder Dear Mr. Gillis: With the Entry Draft a mere 3 months ahead of us, I wanted to communicate directly with the General Manager. You, also, are a very important part of the Canucks family, so I'd like to give YOU some insight into my plans for the future. I became involved with this team approximately 40 years before YOU came on the scene; in fact I was a season ticket holder before the Canucks were accepted into the NHL. The Canucks of the Western Hockey League provided entertaining hockey and boasted such players as Andy Bathgate, "Keke" Mortson, Phil Maloney, George Gardner and many others. In fact, they won the Championship that year, their last before entering the NHL. Since 1970-1971, I have shared in the team's triumphs and disappointments, and have remained a faithful follower. The "near misses" in 1982, 1994 and 2011 were both wonderful and devastating. 2011 was probably the closest I recall to being convinced that, finally, a championship was OURS. But, a good team beat us. I had hoped that you would have built off that success and near triumph. Instead, it seems you have elected to basically stand pat. Yes, there have been some minor tweaks, but the required "coup de grace" in the form of a subtle upgrade to the roster went begging. And now, after 2 years of spinning our wheels while other clubs improved their lot, reality sets in and we will miss the playoffs. Pay attention now, Mr.Gillis, because the result is that we will receive a top 10 draft pick. So, in order to act on your apology letter, at draft day you need to work some magic. Prior to draft day, interview ALL your players, especially those with No Trade Clauses. Tell them you are looking to rebuild and determine who do not wish to be a part of this and will accept a trade, Then move some older, established pieces for quality youth, obtain some additional 1st. round picks and draft some players who will be IMPACT players in 2 - 3 years. Yes, we can wait that long, it will be worth it. What I wish to see is real young talent with a desire to win, players who will compete and who wish to win a cup. Oh, and stop writing No Trade Clauses into contracts; at least put a moratorium on such clauses, such as 2 years maximum. My plan for the future is to continue to faithfully support the Vancouver Canucks. However, I need you to do your bit, as outlined above. If that does not happen, my paid attendance will be lost to the organization. Multiply that by +/- 12,000 and there will be serious issues. I look forward with great interest to the June Draft to review your progress. Many thanks; your support is appreciated. cc: Mr. Aquilini

Is that an oxymoron ?

I'm thinking that draft day might see some real interest in Kesler. At this point, our centre position going into 2014-2015 looks like this: H. Sedin Kesler Matthias Richardson Lain Schroeder (RFA) Dalpe (RFA) Gaunce (potentially) Horvat (potentially) Santorelli (UFA) Cassels (potentially) Seems a tad crowded at the centre position, especially with the recent addition of Matthias. Might have to gamble that Horvat is ready for #2 centre and find a trade partner for Kesler at the draft.

I watched Ryan Kesler's reaction on the ice following the infamous "Game 7 SCF" in Vancouver. He was absolutely devastated and sat on the ice, back to the boards, tears streaming down his face. He REALLY wanted to win that cup and came soooo close. The way the current team is headed, I could see him putting out feelers to MG regarding a trade. Likely would happen in the off season. If he has a strong showing for USA in the Olympics, his stock will rise significantly and teams will be very interested in his services. Just watch him play his guts out in Sochi and attract lots of attention. Yes, I can see him waiving his NTC to have the chance to play for a real contender next season.

The game today illustrated that neither Corrado nor Sauve is ready for the NHL, Schroeder and Kassian are borderline ready, each of Sedin, Sedin & Burrows has completely lost his way and the defensemen are handling the puck like it is a live grenade. There is a TOTAL lack of cohesion. It's incredible to witness how inept this team is at entering the offensive zone on a power play. This is a team which has completely lost its identity and I don't know if there is a quick way to fix it. Perhaps a complete overhaul is in order. I'm stumped and I'm guessing so is Torts.

Not at the game I was watching. I don't think he has played ("good") well since November. Seems to me he has visions of 5 Olympic rings swirling through his head.

Watched the game last night and focused specifically on Daniel each time he was on the ice. He had great difficulty controlling passes made to him, kept turning over the puck. Passed the puck when in potential scoring position. When he did shoot on net it was from difficult angles and far out with not a realistic chance of beating a good goalie. imo was VERY tentative and did not at all resemble a $6.1MM NHL player ($7MM for next 4 years). Here are some Interesting stats which focus on games played December and January: Hansen, salary $1.35MM, 6g & 3a = 9 pts Kassian, salary $870k, 5 g & 5 a = 10 pts Daniel, salary $6.1MM, 3 g & 12 a = 15 pts Kesler, salary $5MM, 8 g & 8 a = 16 pts Higgins, salary $2.5MM, 8 g & 10 a = 18 pts For a supposed trigger man, Daniel with but 3 goals in 2 months is a HUGE disappointment. Moreover, he is playing so tentatively he looks completely lost out on the ice. For those who suggest his lack of production is due to Henrik being out of the lineup, that argument doesn't fly. Henrik was playing all December and most of January. This is a worrying state. Daniel is to be paid $7MM for each of the next 4 seasons. Ergo, he had better start scoring goals; that is why he is paid the big bucks.

Since he is not allowed contact with the team during his suspension, perhaps a good time for him to spend scouting Utica to see how his farm team is progressing (assuming that is permitted). That way he can get a first hand opinion on players with potential for call up (Jensen et al).

The Sedins had better quickly realize that it's not the Swedish Olympic Team that is committed to paying them each $7MM per year for the next 4. It seems that they are saving themselves for the Olympics next month. For $14MM for 2 players I'd rather have 26 Santorellis for the same price. At least I'd see some hustle and commitment. Frankly, I have been disgusted with their pathetic efforts the past several games. The next 4 years could be arduous.

A total of 7 goals in the game. How many were scored as the result of "behind the net cycling" ? Zero ! Just saying......................